NEIL REDDING

The Near Futurist™, helping you connect the emerging possible with the immediately practical — to realize a thriving, abundant future for your business and for humanity


  • 30+ years of experience at the intersection of AI, spatial computing, and digital–physical convergence
  • Trusted by global brands including Nike, Apple, Visa, and Verizon — with a proven record of helping them adapt and thrive
  • Keynote speaker at SXSW, AWE, Dubai Future Forum, and other leading technology and innovation events
  • Combines visionary foresight with actionable strategy, guiding organizations from ideas to measurable outcomes
  • Expert in ecosystem-centered design, enabling businesses to move beyond static models toward dynamic, resilient futures

Neil Redding is The Near Futurist™: a speaker, author, innovation architect, and leader who helps organizations bridge the gap between what is possible and what is practical. With more than three decades of experience in technology, brand strategy, and design, Neil has held senior roles at firms such as Mediacom, Gensler, ThoughtWorks, Proximity/BBDO, and Lab49.

As founder and CEO of Redding Futures, his boutique consultancy, Neil works with world‑class organizations such as Apple, Visa, Nike, Verizon, and others to help them envision and activate the Near Future — integrating AI, VR/AR, spatial computing, and convergent ecosystems to create innovative business experiences.

Neil is frequently invited to speak at major global forums including SXSW, AWE, Building the Future, Dubai Future Forum, and more. His style combines imagination with rigorous strategy, helping audiences understand not only what emerging technologies can do, but how to implement them in ways that generate sustainable value.

In his upcoming book, The Ecosystem Paradigm, Neil explores how businesses can re‑think themselves as interconnected, adaptable ecosystems, capable of evolving in response to rapid change. He also contributes thought leadership via Near Future of Retail, and serves as advisor and mentor in the digital‑physical convergence space.

Reasons To Work With Neil

Visionary Insights that Inspire Action
Neil delivers a transformative perspective on the near future of business, helping leaders see what’s next and equipping them to act boldly. His talks are designed to inspire immediate clarity and long-term strategic thinking.

Empowering and Energizing Experience
Neil’s dynamic presence and thought-provoking narratives keep audiences captivated while creating a sense of excitement about what’s possible for their organizations.

Tailored for Your Audience
From initial conversations to on-stage delivery, Neil crafts every keynote to resonate with your specific audience, ensuring relevance, practicality, and engagement at every level.

Accessible Ideas, Big Impact
Known for making complex concepts simple and actionable, Neil bridges the gap between emerging possibilities and practical applications, helping leaders connect the dots for tangible results.

Neil tailors each presentation to the needs of his audience and is not limited to the topics listed below. Please ask us about any subject that interests you:

  • Future Trends
  • The Future of Work in the Age of AI
  • Disruption and Resilience
  • Leadership in the Agentic Era
  • Creating Symbiosis with AI
  • AI as a New Species in Our Teams

The Near Future of Business With AI Agents

This keynote explores how businesses are shifting from static models to living, self‑adjusting ecosystems. AI agents become active collaborators in strategy, decision‑making, and execution. Audience members will leave with concrete tools to integrate AI agents in workflows, create adaptive business systems, and lead in the “Agentic Era.”

Orchestrating Reality: AI, Spatial Computing and the Near Future of Creativity

The talk addresses the convergence of AI and spatial computing, urging brands to move from control‑oriented creativity to co‑creation with consumers and technology. It shares a mindset and practices to build brand realities that evolve dynamically, leveraging creativity and tech together.

Co‑Creating the Near Future with AI & Spatial Computing

A more immersive presentation that draws on diverse inspirations — neuroscience, design, spiritual traditions, and imagination — to show how organizations can bridge the gap between the possible and the actual. It highlights how emerging tech can manifest in business models, customer experiences, and brand ecosystems.